the happiest hour.

posted Monday, June 15th, 09

a few weeks back, Leftbank had a big day. It was May 28th, 2009 – and the end of all major construction operations was upon us. Of course, there were no protests or great controversy in the face of these operations, and thankfully no real suffering, but there was often struggle and often pain. …ok, that might be overstating it a bit. But it was the culmination of an enormous amount of work, and countless long, long days. –and more importantly, cause for celebration.

We celebrated in the newly minted lobby, had drinks from the still-drying cafe bar (no worries, just mineral oil!), and ate delicious food from leftbank friend and partner, Bon Appétit. One thing that struck me so was the sheer number of people that joined us.. and more than that, in fact, was that I only knew a small portion of them. I’ve been involved since the ramshackle beginnings of this endeavor, a hand (or finger) in what seems like just about every aspect of the project, and come to know a great many good people in the process… But seeing so many new faces was straight astounding. And mixed in were great tenants seeming already at home, like folks from Portland Farmers Market and the gang from Upstream (not to mention Alex and his Upright brews, too), plus an equally exceptional crop of new tenants, too. That eve, we officially welcomed Bill, Gary, Holly and co. (who together make up SOLIDCORE, JHL design, ORANGEWALLstudios and intelligent design), The GreenVille Project, and Old Town Computers into the fold.

All told, once again, a fine, fine time. Thanks to all who made it so. Onward we go.